James Arthur to open up on his mental health struggles in BBC documentary

James Arthur is set to open up on his mental health struggles for a new BBC documentary about male mental health and the use of anti-depressants.

The singer shot to fame after winning The X Factor in 2012, but struggled with being in the public eye and in 2016 he spoke out about his issues with anxiety and depression.

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Middlesbrough-born popstar Arthur, 33, recently returned to the North East after years living in London and will film BBC Three documentary James Arthur: Out of Our Minds from there.

It is said to feature Arthur "telling his story with compelling honesty" as he faces up to his own mental health struggles and issues with anti-depressant use while preparing for a new tour.

Prescriptions for anti-depressants are at an all-time high, with 7.3 million people (around 17% of the adult population) taking them.

Arthur's documentary will see him meet others like him, who despite not having his celebrity status are also struggling to stop using anti-depressants or who have found ways to thrive despite their struggles.

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He said: "It's been such a special thing to make, this doc. Obviously the subject matter is extremely heavy, so it's been really difficult to hear from blokes who have had the courage to offer up their stories for the film knowing how important it is to be a part of something like this.

"It's a topic that undoubtedly needs more discussion; male mental health, and our reliance as a nation on anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medication.

"I've been there myself, so it's so humbling to be a part of something that is going to shed some light on it."

BBC Three controller Fiona Campbell said: "We are grateful to James for putting his trust in us to share his story. Despite some of the themes the film will explore, we hope it will be full of optimism and shows that there is light at the end of the tunnel for people with similar experiences."

BBC Three also announced a documentary from another former X Factor star this week, Janet Devlin, who will explore alcoholism in young Northern Irish women for Janet Devlin: Young, Female and Addicted.

Her own fame led to struggles with alcohol and self-harm, but now six years sober, she will take a raw look at what prompted her problems and what can be done to help others in the same position.

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